Mental Health Social Worker Legal, Social & Cultural Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Mental Health Social Worker Do?
Mental health social workers assist and provide counselling to people with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems. They focus on providing personalised support to cases and monitor the recovery process of their clients by providing therapy, crisis intervention, client advocacy and education. Mental health social workers may contribute to mental health services improvement and mental health outcomes for citizens.
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Where Do I Start?
Adolescent Psychological Development
Understand the developments and the development needs of children and young persons, observing the behaviour and the attachment relationships in order to detect developmental delay.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Mental Health Social Worker
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialAdolescent Psychological Development knowledge
Understand the developments and the development needs of children and young persons, observing the behaviour and the attachment relationships in order to detect developmental delay.
Recommended Books
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EssentialOlder Adults' Needs knowledge
The physical, mental, and social needs of frail, older adults.
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EssentialSocial Work Theory knowledge
The development and characteristics of social work theories underpinned by social sciences and humanities.
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EssentialCompany Policies knowledge
The set of rules that govern the activity of a company.
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EssentialLegal Requirements In The Social Sector knowledge
The prescribed legislative and regulatory requirements in the social sector.
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EssentialSocial Justice knowledge
The development and principles of human rights and social justice and the way they should be applied on a case by case basis.
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EssentialSocial Sciences knowledge
The development and characteristics of sociological, anthropological, psychological, political, and social policy theories.
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EssentialDiagnosis Of Mental Health Issues knowledge
The diagnosis of mental health issues such as disorders or illnesses, and psychological factors in other diseases within different issues and different age groups.
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EssentialAccept Own Accountability skill
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
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EssentialAddress Problems Critically skill
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and alternative methods …
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EssentialAdhere To Organisational Guidelines skill
Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.
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EssentialAdvise On Mental Health skill
Advise persons of all ages and groups in terms of the health-promoting aspects of individual behaviour and institutions with regard to the personal, social and structural factors on physical and …
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EssentialAdvocate For Social Service Users skill
Speak for and on behalf of service users, using communicative skills and knowledge of relevant fields to assist those less advantaged.
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EssentialApply Anti-Oppressive Practices skill
Identify oppression in societies, economies, cultures, and groups, acting as a professional in an non-oppressive way, enabling service users to take action to improve their lives and enabling citizens to …
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EssentialApply Case Management skill
Assess, plan, facilitate, coordinate, and advocate for options and services on behalf of a person.
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EssentialApply Crisis Intervention skill
Respond methodologically to a disruption or breakdown in the normal or usual function of a person, family, group or community.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Decision Making Within Social Work skill
Take decisions when called for, staying within the limits of granted authority and considering the input from the service user and other caregivers.
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EssentialApply Holistic Approach Within Social Services skill
Consider the social service user in any situation, recognising the connections between micro-dimension, meso-dimension, and macro-dimension of social problems, social development and social policies.
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EssentialApply Organisational Techniques skill
Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the goals set. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Person-Centred Care skill
Treat individuals as partners in planning, developing and assessing care, to make sure it is appropriate for their needs. Put them and their caregivers at the heart of all decisions.
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EssentialApply Problem Solving In Social Service skill
Systematically apply a step-by-step problem-solving process in providing social services.
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EssentialApply Quality Standards In Social Services skill
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EssentialApply Socially Just Working Principles skill
Work in accordance with management and organisational principles and values focusing on human rights and social justice.
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EssentialAssess Social Service Users' Situation skill
Assess the social situation of service users situation balancing curiosity and respect in the dialogue, considering their families, organisations and communities and the associated risks and identifying the needs and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAssess The Development Of Youth skill
Evaluate the different aspects of development needs of children and young people.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialBuild Helping Relationship With Social Service Users skill
Develop a collaborative helping relationship, addressing any ruptures or strains in the relationship, fostering bonding and gaining service users` trust and cooperation through empathic listening, caring, warmth and authenticity.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCommunicate Professionally With Colleagues In Other Fields skill
Communicate professionally and cooperate with members of the other professions in the health and social services sector.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCommunicate With Social Service Users skill
Use verbal, non-verbal, written, and electronic communication. Pay attention to the specific social service users' needs, characteristics, abilities, preferences, age, developmental stage, and culture.
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EssentialConduct Interview In Social Service skill
Induce clients, colleagues, executives, or public officials to talk fully, freely, and truthfully, so as to explore the interviewee`s experiences, attitudes, and opinions.
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EssentialConsider Social Impact Of Actions On Service Users skill
Act according to the political, social and cultural contexts of social service users, considering the impact of certain actions on their social well being.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialContribute To Protecting Individuals From Harm skill
Use established processes and procedures to challenge and report dangerous, abusive, discriminatory or exploitative behaviour and practice, bringing any such behaviour to the attention of the employer or the appropriate …
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EssentialCooperate At Inter-Professional Level skill
Cooperate with people in other sectors in relation to social service work.
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EssentialDelegate Activities skill
Delegate activities and tasks to others according to the ability, level of preparation, competence and legal scope of practice. Make sure that people understand what they should do and when …
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EssentialDeliver Social Services In Diverse Cultural Communities skill
Deliver services which are mindful of different cultural and language traditions, showing respect and validation for communities and being consistent with policies regarding human rights and equality and diversity.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDemonstrate Leadership In Social Service Cases skill
Take the lead in the practical handling of social work cases and activities.
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EssentialDevelop Professional Identity In Social Work skill
Strive to provide the appropriate services to social work clients while staying within a professional framework, understanding what the work means in relation to other professionals and taking into account …
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EssentialDevelop Professional Network skill
Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal …
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EssentialEmpower Social Service Users skill
Enable individuals, families, groups and communities to gain more control over their lives and environment, either by themselves or with the help of others.
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EssentialEvaluate Older Adults' Ability To Take Care Of Themselves skill
Assess the condition of an older patient and decide if he or she needs assistance in taking care of him- or herself to eat or to bathe and in meeting …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow Health And Safety Precautions In Social Care Practices skill
Ensure hygienic work practice, respecting the safety of the environment at day care, residential care settings and care at home.
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EssentialHandle Conflicts skill
Mediate in conflicts and tense situations by acting between parties, such as service users, important others like families, and institutions, striving to effect an agreement, reconciliate, and resolve problems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialHave Computer Literacy skill
Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialIdentify Mental Health Issues skill
Recognise and critically evaluate any possible mental health/illness issues.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialInvolve Service Users And Carers In Care Planning skill
Evaluate the needs of individuals in relation to their care, involve families or carers in supporting the development and implementation of support plans. Ensure review and monitoring of these plans.
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EssentialListen Actively skill
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, …
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EssentialMaintain Records Of Work With Service Users skill
Maintain accurate, concise, up-to-date and timely records of the work with service users while complying with legislation and policies related to privacy and security.
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EssentialMake Legislation Transparent For Users Of Social Services skill
Inform and explain the legislation for users of social services, in order to help them understand the implications it has on them and how to use it for their interest.
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EssentialManage Ethical Issues Within Social Services skill
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EssentialManage Social Crisis skill
Identify, respond and motivate individuals in social crisis situations, in a timely manner, making use of all resources.
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EssentialManage Stress In Organisation skill
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EssentialMeet Standards Of Practice In Social Services skill
Practice social care and social work in a lawful, safe and effective way according to standards.
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EssentialNegotiate With Social Service Stakeholders skill
Negotiate with government institutions, other social workers, family and caregivers, employers, landlords, or landladies to obtain the most suitable result for your client.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialNegotiate With Social Service Users skill
Discuss with your client to establish fair conditions, building on a bond of trust, reminding the client that the work is in their favour and encouraging their cooperation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOrganise Social Work Packages skill
Create a package of social support services according to the service user's needs and in line with specified standards, regulations and timescales.
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EssentialPlan Social Service Process skill
Plan the social service process, defining the objective and considering the methods of implementation, identifying and accessing available resources, such as time, budget, personnel and defining indicators to evaluate the …
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EssentialPrepare Youths For Adulthood skill
Work with children and young people to identify the skills and abilities they will need to become effective citizens and adults and to prepare them for independence.
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EssentialPrevent Social Problems skill
Develop, define and implement actions that can prevent social problems, striving for the enhancement of the quality of life for all citizens.
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EssentialPromote Inclusion skill
Promote inclusion in health care and social services and respect diversity of beliefs, culture, values and preferences, keeping in mind the importance of equality and diversity issues.
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EssentialPromote Mental Health skill
Promote factors that enhance emotional well-being such as self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, control of one`s environment, spirituality, self-direction and positive relationships.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPromote Service Users' Rights skill
Supporting client`s rights to control his or her life, making informed choices about the services they receive, respecting and, where appropriate, promoting the individual views and wishes of both the …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPromote Social Change skill
Promote changes in relationships between individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities by taking into consideration and coping with unpredictable changes, at the micro, macro and mezzo level.
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EssentialPromote The Safeguarding Of Young People skill
Understand safeguarding and what should be done in cases of actual or potential harm or abuse.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialProtect Vulnerable Social Service Users skill
Intervene to provide physical, moral and psychological support to people in dangerous or difficult situations and to remove to a place of safety where appropriate.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialProvide Social Counselling skill
Assist and guide social service users to resolve personal, social or psychological problems and difficulties.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRefer Social Service Users skill
Make referrals to other professionals and other organisations, based on the social service users' requirements and needs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialReflect On Practice skill
Routinely evaluate own practice, critically evaluating and monitoring the practice methods and outcomes in consistent, coherent and appropriate ways, being aware of relevant methodologies and utilising feedback from managers, supervisors, …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRelate Empathetically skill
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EssentialReport On Social Development skill
Report results and conclusions on society's social development in an intelligible way, presenting these orally and in written form to a range of audiences from non-experts to experts.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialReview Social Service Plan skill
Review social service plans, taking service users' views and preferences into account. Follow up on the plan, assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSupport Children Who Have Experienced Trauma skill
Support children who have experienced trauma, identifying their needs and working in ways that promote their rights, inclusion and well being.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSupport The Positiveness Of Youths skill
Help children and young people to assess their social, emotional and identity needs and to develop a positive self image, enhance their self esteem and improve their self reliance.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialTolerate Stress skill
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EssentialUndertake Continuous Professional Development In Social Work skill
Undertake continuous professional development (CPD) to continuously update and develop knowledge, skills and competences within one`s scope of practice in social work.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWork In A Multicultural Environment In Health Care skill
Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.
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EssentialWork In Partnership With Social Services Users skill
Help social service users identify and express their expectations and strengths, providing them with information and advice to make informed decisions about their circumstances. Work with individuals, families, groups, communities …
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EssentialWork Within Communities skill
Establish social projects aimed at community development and active citizen participation.
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EssentialUse Clinical Assessment Techniques skill
Use clinical reasoning techniques and clinical judgement when applying a range of appropriate assessment techniques, such as mental status assessment, diagnosis, dynamic formulation, and potential treatment planning.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (3 of 3 displayed)
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OptionalSupport Social Service Users To Manage Their Financial Affairs skill
Work with individuals to access information and advice about their financial affairs and support them to manage and monitor their finances.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWork With Healthcare Users' Social Network skill
Get involved with the friends, families and other relevant actors important for the client or patient being treated, under the conditions of confidentiality and transparency.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWork With Patterns Of Psychological Behaviour skill
Work with the patterns of a patient or client's psychological behaviour, which may be outside of their conscious awareness, such as non-verbal and pre-verbal patterns, clinical processes of defence mechanisms, …
Course recommendations coming soon.